The Black Cloud Sword: The Rise of Do-Hyun

The imperial council chamber was steeped in tension. Princess Miryeong's proposal had drawn everyone's attention. A dual strategy—preparing for both negotiation and full-scale war—seemed the most pragmatic course of action in the escalating conflict between the Empire and the Murim.

The Emperor cast a piercing gaze across his strategists and declared:

"Miryeong's plan is sound. If the conflict with the Murim can be resolved peacefully, that is ideal. But if they reject us, we must shatter their pride with overwhelming force."

One strategist nodded in agreement.

"Your Majesty, entrusting the negotiations to the Princess while simultaneously preparing our troops is a wise move. The Murim is fractured. If we strike with concentrated power, they will not hold out for long."

Another strategist added cautiously:

"However, Your Majesty, we will need justification before mobilizing. If word spreads that the Murim rejected the Empire's peaceful overtures, we can use that as a clear pretext when presenting our actions to the people."

Following the Emperor's orders, Miryeong immediately began preparations for her journey. Before departing, she sought another audience with the Emperor to clarify the stance she would present to the Murim.

"Your Majesty, if I am to persuade them, I must show that the Empire's intent is not simply to flaunt its strength."

The Emperor slowly nodded.

"The message you must deliver is simple: The Murim can only be safe under the Empire's protection. If they refuse, we will regard them as enemies."

Miryeong accepted the command with a solemn nod.

"Understood. I will make that clear. But should they reject our offer, preparing the army is the only path."

Simultaneously, the imperial army began mobilizing in full. Troops were conscripted from across the land, a visible demonstration of the Empire's might. Military commanders gathered to devise strategies to bring the Murim to its knees.

One general unfurled a map and spoke:

"The Murim territory includes mountainous and forested regions—many unsuitable for large-scale operations. However, if we seize key strategic locations one by one, we can scatter their forces and cripple their strength."

Another general contributed:

"We must utilize our cavalry and archers to limit their mobility. Murim warriors may excel in one-on-one combat, but they are far less effective in large-scale engagements. If we overwhelm them with numbers, victory is ours."

One strategist scoffed.

"I've heard their Alliance leader is a formidable fighter. But no matter how strong one person is, they cannot stand against an entire army. If we eliminate him, the Murim Alliance will crumble."

Meanwhile, Miryeong had completed her preparations. She knew all too well that if she failed to secure a peaceful resolution, the imperial army would march on the Murim without hesitation. She paused briefly, steadying herself.

"If I fail… the Murim will be crushed beneath the Empire's boots. I cannot allow that to happen."

At that moment, the Emperor summoned her once more.

"Miryeong, I hope you succeed in negotiating with the Murim. But if you fail, do not return to me in disgrace."

She responded with determination:

"I will uphold Your Majesty's command. I will give everything I have."

Meanwhile, the imperial army continued its final preparations for war. Soldiers checked their armor and weapons, tense and alert in anticipation of the coming battle. Standing before them, a commander raised his voice:

"Our enemies will be broken into pieces! Show them the might of the Empire and crush the pride of the Murim! There is no retreat in this war!"

The soldiers roared in unison, their resolve unshaken. Their sheer numbers projected an image of unstoppable imperial power.

Miryeong set off on her journey toward the Murim. Her heart weighed heavy. If she failed, a total war between the Empire and the Murim would be inevitable.

"Murim Alliance… and Lee Do-hyeon. I don't know if you will agree to these talks, but I will do everything I can to restore balance between the Empire and the Murim."

Her choice would determine the fate of both sides.

And with her departure, the Empire's dual strategy was set in motion.

**

Chapter : Princess Miryeong's Intervention and the End of Chaos

At the main camp of the Imperial Army, which stood in standoff against the Murim, the air was thick with tension. Slowly advancing toward the command center, Princess Miryeong appeared, bearing the imperial banner. The commander of the imperial forces saluted in surprise at her unexpected arrival.

"To see Her Highness the Princess here on imperial orders... May I ask the reason for this sudden visit?"he asked quietly, his voice respectful but uneasy. Behind his composed tone, however, his mind raced with apprehension.He feared this meant the royal court judged their failure to end the conflict by force.

With a calm yet firm voice, Miryeong answered:

"By the will of His Majesty, I've come to mediate the conflict with the Murim. The Emperor desires no further needless bloodshed."

The commander gave a respectful nod, but inwardly, another calculation brewed.

The Princess herself has come—this must mean the court sees us as having failed. Still, unless this battle is finished, we'll never gain true merit. We must press forward, even if it means doing so in secret.

That night, the commander summoned his trusted aides.

"Make it appear as though we've halted operations for Her Highness. But quietly mobilize the troops. We'll strike one of the Murim's key bases tonight. If we miss this opportunity, the Empire's honor will suffer."

Under the cover of darkness, imperial soldiers began to move. Though they marched silently through the forest, their movements were detected by the Murim's scouts.

By dawn, the imperial army had approached the Murim Alliance's base. Their surprise assault threw the defenders into chaos. Cavalry units broke through the outer defenses, pressing deep into the camp.

Murim masters rushed to mount a counterattack.

"Stop them! We won't let the Empire trample our lands!"shouted Jin Cheong-u of the Hwasan Sect, scattering horsemen with a powerful surge of inner energy.

Do Hyeon-jung of the Gonryun Sect reinforced the lines with formidable martial power, trying to push back the advance. The Murim fighters responded with incredible light-step and refined martial arts, but under the weight of superior numbers and coordination, they were beginning to falter.

Just then, a lone rider galloped across the battlefield.

It was Princess Miryeong.

Holding the imperial banner high, she rode straight into the heart of the conflict.

"Stop this!"Her voice echoed across the battlefield. At her cry, imperial soldiers froze in place.

She rode up to the commander, unflinching.

"By imperial order, I command this battle to cease immediately. If the army advances even one more step, it will be deemed a betrayal of the Emperor's will."

The commander hesitated, visibly shaken. But he tried to compose himself.

"Your Highness, this operation was necessary to ensure victory. If we stop now, the Murim will mock our hesitation."

Miryeong's reply was cold and unwavering:

"The Emperor's will is absolute. If you defy it, I will report your insubordination directly to His Majesty."

Her resolute stance left the commander no choice. He lowered his head.

"Understood. I will order a withdrawal."

The imperial forces began retreating, following Miryeong's orders. The Murim masters remained cautious, watching every movement without lowering their guard.

Baek Wolhui approached Lee Do-hyeon and spoke gently:

"Do-hyeon~ The Princess saved us. If the attack had continued, we would've been in real danger."

Lee Do-hyeon nodded solemnly.

"She bought us time. But this isn't over. The Empire will move again."

Han So-yeon sighed.

"In the end, unless we resolve this ourselves, this fight will never truly end."

After the battle was halted, Miryeong met with the imperial commander in private.

"It was wise of you not to disobey my command. But how His Majesty views this incident… we'll have to wait and see."

The commander bowed.

"I will follow your lead, Your Highness. But in time, the Murim will kneel beneath the Emperor's feet."

Miryeong was silent for a moment. Then she replied, resolute:

"That will only be possible if the Empire embraces them, not crushes them. Remember—no one wins a reckless war."

Turning her horse, she rode toward the Murim camp. Her resolve was firm.

She would find a path—a balance that could preserve both the Empire and the Murim.